The word '''"Adorkable"''' is a portmanteau of "Adorable" and "Dork." That neatly encapsulates this trope. Adorkable characters are "dorky" in some fashion. Maybe they're [[NoSocialSkills socially inept]] or [[ShrinkingViolet shy]]. Maybe they're [[CuteClumsyGirl really clumsy.]] Maybe they have some really, ''really'' conspicuous {{character tic|s}} that tends to earn them weird looks. Maybe they're just so darn ''sweet,'' that it borders on embarrassing. Heck, maybe they're just an out-and-out {{Nerd}}. However, rather than making them an outcast, these quirks give the character an endearing vulnerability.

This character type is [[AlwaysMale usually male]], but can be female as well. While societal norms would seem to suggest that this is the opposite of the (Western) "[[RealMenDontCry Male Ideal]]", in reality, many people find these characters appealing: Rather than an over-the-top caricature, these characters are enjoyable and relatable because they're ''not'' [[TestosteronePoisoning absurd supermen]].

Not to be confused with the HollywoodNerd, who are likable because they're attractive nerds, whereas adorkable people are likable because of their dorkiness. The two can and often do overlap, but are not mutually inclusive; if a battle-hardened marine or a grizzled biker has a sweet, shy and awkward personality when he's not being a BadAss, then he not only still totally counts, but even gets bonus points for [[RealMenWearPink bucking the stereotype]].

This term has become increasingly common in use, and can nowadays be heard at a higher frequency in movies and on the internet. The trope has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity in recent years as well. It's definitely TruthInTelevision, although there is some debate over how much social awkwardness should be glamorized.

See also TheWoobie and NerdsAreSexy. May cause WeaknessTurnsHerOn. May also be a CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass, or occasionally prone to [[LetsGetDangerous getting dangerous]].

It's also a [[http://www.collinsdictionary.com/submission/197/Adorkable real word]] in a dictionary now.